Confidential HIV Test Belfast

Better2Know offer private HIV testing at our clinics in Belfast, providing a discreet, confidential and anonymous service. Our Clinics are clean and modern (Care Quality Commission approved) with friendly, non-judgmental staff.  All you need to do is book your appointment, and give a small blood sample.

If diagnosed early enough and with the appropriate treatment, HIV is no longer the life threatening virus it once was. The key is getting tested as early as possible and at our Belfast clinics you can get tested as soon as ten days after exposure with our HIV 10 Day PCR RNA Test.  Results from this test are just three working days from when your sample is received by the laboratory.

You can call our booking team 24 hours a day seven days a week or book your test online.

HIV testing options in Belfast:

  • Rapid HIV Test. Provides a highly accurate HIV test result within 20 minutes while you wait. This test is appropriate for detecting HIV exposures that have occurred at least 26 days ago
  • HIV 28 Day DUO Test. Provides very accurate HIV testing results for possible exposures that occurred at least four weeks ago. Results are available the same day your sample is received in the laboratory. The HIV Duo test combines an HIV antibody and HIV antigen test in order to detect HIV infection sooner than an antibody only test.
  • HIV 10 Day PCR RNA Test. This test provides accurate HIV testing results for possible exposures that occurred at least ten days ago. While it is slightly less accurate than HIV DUO testing, it can give peace of mind earlier but should be followed up at 28 days with a DUO test. The results for this HIV test take three working days to come back from the lab. The HIV RNA test is available in Belfast with Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C.

How can you get HIV?

HIV transmission can take place if you have unprotected oral, vaginal or anal penetrative sex with someone who already has the HIV virus. Additionally if you share needles or syringes with someone who is HIV positive then you also risk exposure to the virus.

You can also become infected with HIV through blood transfusions although thankfully within the UK this is rare as most Western countries including the UK screen all blood products prior to use.

What are the Symptoms of HIV?

The symptoms of HIV are similar to many common illnesses, often occurring between two to four weeks after initial exposure. These symptoms can include:

  • High fever
  • Sore throat
  • Headache
  • Rash
  • Mouth ulcers
  • Diarrhoea and vomiting
  • Abdominal pain

The only way to find out if you are HIV positive is to get a test, as soon after exposure as possible. Better2Know brings you a choice of tests depending on how long ago your potential exposure was.

What if I test positive?

If you do test positive then please do not worry, we are here to help you. Your Better2Know Doctor will refer you to a specialist who will be able to help you, and provide you with guidance on talking through what you want to do next and other help available to you.